California Must Lead on Climate Action through Cap-and-Trade Extension this Year

“Cap-and-Trade is California’s most cost-effective climate policy, targeting the biggest polluters to reduce their emissions contributing to climate change while generating revenue to reinvest in communities and households. Lawmakers must strengthen and extend this critical program, which has proven we can have a thriving economy with bold climate action together. As federal leadership promotes the expanded use of fossil fuels and coal, taking us backward in embracing the largest causes of climate change, California lawmakers must ask a simple question: if we don't lead on climate, who will? Our actions now offer our best chance to preserve a safe and stable climate for future generations. The reauthorization of an ambitious Cap-and-Trade program sets California up for success in building a clean energy economy by 2045 and beyond.”

• Katelyn Roedner Sutter, California State Director, Environmental Defense Fund